Rhonda Murray
When I moved to SaddleBrooke at 55, people kept asking me the same thing: “Are you even old enough to live here?” I’d laugh and reply, “Apparently just barely—but I made it!” What I didn’t expect was how right it would feel.
Before we even unpacked a single box, I had been eyeing the SaddleBrooke newspaper like a kid with a summer camp brochure. The list of clubs was practically a choose-your-own-adventure novel. Would I try writing again? Learn pickleball? Join a book club? Take up yoga? Start a club of my own? (Yes, to all of it.)
And then we got here—and it blew even my wildest expectations out of the water.
The first surprise? The people. SaddleBrooke residents are on the move. Out walking before sunrise, biking up hills like Tour de France hopefuls, swimming laps, hiking trails, playing golf, dancing, and generally making the rest of the world wonder what’s in the water here.
But what really amazed me was the intellectual energy. This community doesn’t just move—it thinks. Clubs like the Freethinkers bring in world-class speakers who expand our minds and open our hearts. There’s a real diversity of thought here, an openness that’s refreshing, challenging, and welcome.
Despite all the fun and activity, I still work full time for a wonderful local nonprofit. It’s meaningful, demanding work—and I’m so grateful that at the end of the day, I get to come home to this community. A place where joy is intentional, connection is abundant, and possibility never gets old.
In fact, one of the most beautiful surprises has been the friendships I’ve formed—real, deep connections that feel like the ones we made in childhood, but with the wisdom of experience. We support each other, cheer each other on, and find reasons to celebrate the little things, often with a glass of wine and a healthy dose of laughter.
Living here feels like summer camp for grown-ups—minus the bug spray and awkward talent shows (unless you’re into that, in which case, go for it). You get to try new things, rediscover old passions, or just show up and cheer others on. And the best part? No one keeps score. We’re all just here to enjoy what’s left of our ride.
I’m not too old to try something new. I’m not too old to laugh until my face hurts. I’m not too old to learn, lead, grow, dance, or just be silly. And I’m definitely not too old to find joy.
So, if you’re wondering whether SaddleBrooke is the right place for you—whether you’re “too old” or not—here’s my invitation: Adopt the attitude, “I’m not too old to …” Fill in the blank. Then go do it.
About the Author
Rhonda Murray lives in SaddleBrooke with her golfing, pool-playing husband Wayne and their beautiful, dog park-loving boxer Koa. She has worked for United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona for nearly 19 years and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. Rhonda is deeply dedicated to the organization’s mission of Living Life Without Limits for people of all abilities and the elderly.